Premiums are often lower because your employer is paying part of the bill for you.

You have a much wider range of plans you can choose from.

If you need to use your plan for an ER visit, your employer will pay your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Doctors tend to treat patients better when they use employer-sponsored healthcare plans.

Each state has its own healthcare marketplace.

You can choose to use either the state or Federal healthcare marketplace, depending on which one offers you the better plans.

Most states participate in the Federal healthcare marketplace; those that don't have their own marketplace.

All Americans must get their insurance through the healthcare marketplace.

will have to pay a tax penalty enforced by the Federal government.

will go without health insurance but be eligible for discounted care should you need it.

may have to pay a tax penalty enforced by your state if there is a mandate to have health insurance.

may be ineligible to shop for healthcare next year through a marketplace.

Annual Physical Exams

Ambulance and Emergency Room Services

Immunizations

Vision and Dental Care

Your parents MUST keep you on their insurance policy.

If your employer offers health insurance, you will have to pay a fee to decline and stay on your parents' insurance policy.

You must be living with your parents in order to stay on their insurance policy.

You can stay on your parents' health insurance even if you're married.

most insurance plans encourage the use of OUT-OF-NETWORK doctors by offering lower costs on most services they perform.

most insurance plans encourage the use of IN-NETWORK doctors by offering lower costs on most services they perform.

the costs for in-network and out-of-network doctors are the same for ALL services they offer.

office visits, immunizations and annual physicals have the same costs for both in-network and out-of-network doctors.

Janet will have to pay $1,500 before her insurance company's coverage kicks in. She will not have to pay more than $3,500 in the year (excluding premiums).

Janet will receive a $1,500 discount on any medical bills that are over $3,500.

Janet will have to pay $3,500 before her insurance company's coverage kicks in. Afterwards, she is only responsible for an additional $1,500 (excluding premiums) and then her insurance covers the rest.

Janet is responsible for paying up to $3,500 for the year (excluding premiums). If she reaches that amount, she will get $1,500 deducted from the amount she has paid in premiums.

Albert: "Just ignore the bills for now. After a few months, they'll realize you can't afford to pay them back right now so they'll waive them."

Christina: "If you can't afford to pay back the bills right now, use your credit cards to pay them off!"

Sam: "You should apply for a loan so you can at least get the hospital bills taken care of."

Amanda: "Check your bills to make sure all of the charges are accurate. If so, work out a payment plan to pay back the bills!"

The amount you pay in taxes may be lowered since you are purchasing your own plan.

You have more flexibility in choosing a plan that is suited for you.

You can re-enroll anytime you want during the year if you want to change plans.

You are guaranteed a government subsidy that can make your monthly premium lower than an employer-sponsored plan premium.